Pressure relieving body support

Abstract

A body support is provided utilizing a cushion formed in rectangular segments in which the segments alternately pivot to change pressure points on the surface of the user's skin. The body support can be used as a wheelchair seat cushion to prevent non-ambulatory patients from developing bedsores and other ailments. Electrical circuitry provided includes a timer to adjust the length of time between activation cycles thereby changing the pressure points at desired intervals.

1. A body support for relieving pressure comprising: a cushion, said cushion comprising a plurality of first and second segments, said plurality of first segments contiguous said plurality of second segments, said plurality of first segments each having a height greater than each of said plurality of second segments, a first base, said plurality of first segments each rigidly affixed to said first base, a second base, said plurality of second segments each rigidly affixed to said second base and contiguous said first base, a plurality of rodules, each of said plurality of rodules rigidly affixed to said second base and to different ones of said plurality of second segments, said first base movable relative to said second base whereby said second base can be directed toward said first base to bring said plurality of second segments into coplanar alignment with said plurality of first segments. 
     
     
       2. The body support of  claim 1  wherein said first base defines a plurality of rodule apertures, said plurality of rodules each positioned in different ones of said first base rodule apertures. 
     
     
       3. The body support of  claim 1  further comprising a cam assembly, said cam assembly comprising a camshaft, cams, said cams attached to said camshaft, a pair of lifts, each of said pair of lifts engaging different ones of said cams, one of said pair of lifts attached to said first base and the other of said pair of lifts attached to said second base. 
     
     
       4. The body support of  claim 3  wherein said cams are mounted out of phase on said camshaft. 
     
     
       5. The body support of  claim 3  wherein said pair of lifts each comprise rod, a follower, said follower pivotally mounted on said rod. 
     
     
       6. The body support of  claim 3  further comprising a sprocket, said sprocket attached to said camshaft, a chain, a motor, a gear, said gear affixed to said motor, said chain attached to said gear and to said sprocket to allow said motor to power said camshaft. 
     
     
       7. A body support for relieving pressure comprising: a cushion, said cushion comprising first and second segments, said first segments contiguous said second segments, said first segments each having a height greater than each of said second segments, a first base, said first segments each rigidly affixed to said first base, a second base, said second segments each rigidly affixed to said second base, said second segments each contiguous said first base, said first base movable relative to said second base whereby said second base can be directed toward said first base to raise said second segments into coplanar alignment with said first segments, a cam assembly, said cam assembly comprising a camshaft, a plurality of cams, said plurality of cams attached to said camshaft, a pair of lifts, each of said pair of lifts engaging different ones of said plurality of cams, each of said pair of lifts comprising a rod, a follower, said follower pivotally mounted on said rod, one of said pair of lifts attached to said first base and the other of said pair of lifts attached to said second base. 
     
     
       8. The body support of  claim 7  further comprising a sprocket, said sprocket attached to said camshaft, a chain, a motor, a gear, said gear affixed to said motor, said chain attached to said gear and to said sprocket to allow said motor to power said camshaft. 
     
     
       9. The body support of  claim 8  further comprising a battery, a switch, said switch attached to said motor and to said battery. 
     
     
       10. The body support of  claim 9  further comprising a timer, said timer connected to said switch.